Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 1 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | GCSEs at grade 3 or above in mathematics and English. It is expected that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the construction industry. Applicants will be required to attend an interview. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, The Milburn Centre, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
The Level 1 Diploma in Building and Construction is the ideal groundwork for anyone wanting to get a strong foundation in the sector.
This one-year, full time programme will give you the opportunity to learn skills from a number of core trades within the construction industry. And if you're still trying to decide which of the many varied routes a career in construction suits you best, this course will help you find your specialism.
You'll be thoroughly trained in practical skills and learn the underpinning theory of six core trades: Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plumbing, and Tiling.
During the course you will also learn how to develop essential character strengths for success, such as confidence, self-belief and ownership.
What you'll learn
A majority of the programme will be 'hands on' and focussed on helping you to develop your construction skills and character strengths. We'll help you develop your essential life skills such as communication, numeracy and IT during mandatory GCSE/Functional Skills lessons (mainly for students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics at GCSE level).
There will also be mandatory sessions to help improve your employability skills.
Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Equipment required for the course
Safety boots, Built Environment campus branded clothing, overalls, work trousers and stationary equipment for theory sessions.
Assessment
Assessments will be via assignment work or end of unit tests assessed to meet industrial standards throughout the 36-week course.
Further study
Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2
Brickwork Diploma Level 1
Brickwork Diploma Level 2
Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 1
Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 2
Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 1
Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 2
Plumbing Diploma Level 1
Plumbing Technical Certificate Level 2
Introduction to Electrical Installations Level 1
Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2
Construction Groundworks and Reinstatement Level 2)
T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning
Example careers
Bricklayer
Site Supervisor
Foreman
Construction Manager
Plumber
Tiler
Carpenter
Cabinet Maker
Joiner
Electrician
Plasterer
Painter and Decorator
Estate Manager
Quantity Surveyor
Surveyor
Planner
Days & times
Starting September 2025